Kraze Burgers
The Gourmet Burger Place
written by Heath Buck

Kraze Burger has brought itself to Itaewon. At the time of writing there are 12 restaurants in this gourmet burger chain with Itaewon being the newest. Kraze Burger sells an assortment of rice, seafood sandwiches, and pasta, but being honest, the only reason people go there is for the Burgers.

Kraze Burger is an upmarket Burger bar with the expected clinically clean plastic seats and simplistic décor (imagine if McDonald’s could afford the best plastic tables or the most stylish plastic chairs).

At the Itaewon branch there is a very nice outdoor seating area suitable for watching people wander by (Kraze Burger is on the main street), but for the same reason the outside section is always busy so it’s luck of the draw to get a seat there.

Whilst there is a takeaway option at Kraze Burger, most clientele find the environment attractive enough to eat in and so few make use of a take out.

One scan of the burger section of the menu reveals 11 varieties of the humble beef burger. Checking for something crazy the only thing I spotted was that the K.Basic Burger (for children) comes with strawberry jam! I’m tempted, but Kiddy size portions really wont fill a grown man. The other burgers all looked like gourmet versions of the American classic. The menu is annotated with various helpful captions such as “Kids”; “Hot”; or “Best” (one I frequently take).

The service was efficient, although I was disappointed that the burger came sliced in half ready for small hands (I’m used to picking up wholesome sized burgers with both hands). I did see some girls walking around who looked distinctively like they don’t eat whole burgers often, and one wonders if the burger was sliced in half in the Korean spirit of sharing food. However, one bite of the burger and all was forgiven. It is one of the best burger’s I’ve had in Korea with good sauce, decent meat, and the right amount of vegetables. The crinkle cut fries are also a nice touch.

Although there is a whole non-burger section of the menu, I didn’t see one person eat at Kraze Burger without ordering one of the sumptuous burgers. Kraze Burger is competing in the gourmet beef burger market, for people who just want a better version of what they already eat. Judging by its level of clientele, it’s capturing a need.

Crinkle cut fries are a welcome break from the norm

Overall, I found it a little on the pricey side for burgers, but in a great location right next to where many nights out begin, and I don’t think anyone will be disappointed with the taste.

Average Meal Price: W12,000

Website: www.kraze.co.kr

Nearest Subway Station: The restaurant reviewed was in Itaewon but there are currently 12 locations in the Kraze Burger chain.

How to find it: Take Exit 2 out of Itaewon Station and walk up the hill. Kraze Burger is on the left hand side.